7 Things to Look for in a Moving Company

7 Features to Look For When Choosing a Moving Company

Thousands of people will move in a given year. The move might be prompted by a job promotion, family needs or personal desires. Regardless of the reasons, a move of any size will require professional help. Make your moving experience as smooth as possible by following a few tips from the experts. These top 7 things to look for in a moving company are crucial.

1. DOT Numbers

The first thing that you want to check for on your list of things to look for in a moving company is DOT or Department of Transportation numbers. Any movers that haul items between states cannot go without a DOT number. It’s essentially a license with the federal government. Professional movers must advertise this number on their vehicles and website.

As you research moving companies, verify the DOT numbers with the government website. Valid numbers will identify the movers and their license status. Companies that cannot supply a DOT number or try to convince you that it isn’t important should be avoided. Every move that crosses state lines must be approved by the government. Questionable movers avoid any validation because it reveals their lack of experience and credentials.

2. Strong Reviews

Most importantly, next on the list of 7 things to look for in a moving company is strong reviews. Everyone wants to save as much money as possible when selecting a moving company, but it’s important to be selective. Go online, and read over reviews on the best 5 star rated movers. Keep in mind that it’s impossible to find a perfectly reviewed company. There will always be some negative reviews.

The important thing to take away from these reviews is possible patterns. If you find cheap movers with constant complaints about broken belongings, skip these companies altogether.

You want a company that has mostly good reviews with a few isolated complaints otherwise. In fact, these complaints might have responses from the companies themselves. Movers that take the consumers’ concerns into consideration are worth your time. Miscommunication may have been in play for that bad review to come to light.

3. Reasonable Deposit Amounts

Third on the list of what to look for in moving companies is reasonable deposit amounts. The best moving services will require some investment so that your items can be transported without incident. It’s perfectly normal for a deposit to be requested by the moving company.

Most professional moving companies will ask for 10 to 20 percent down on the service. This amount is a good-faith estimate so that the appointment can be finalized. As soon as the move is over, the remaining balance is due.

Furthermore, be especially wary of any company that asks for the entire balance upfront. There’s absolutely no reason why this scenario should be the norm. Paying a mover the entire balance might mean that they won’t show up on moving day. Scams are prevalent, so be particularly critical of any unusual deposit requests.

4. Experience With Your Type of Move

Every mover has experience in certain areas, such as local or long distance moving companies. You want a mover that deals with your type of transition. Moving intrastate, interstate or internationally requires incredibly different skill sets.

Make it your move by asking about the company’s focuses. If you’re strictly looking for moving quotes, avoid the local movers. They may be certainly qualified as movers, but they don’t have the experience with long-distance logistics. Mistakes can be made in this situation. You want experts that you can trust in the long run. Don’t forget to read over those online reviews again so that you can see the company’s volume. Most of the customers should be interstate transitions.

5. An Actual Office

Affordable movers aren’t nomadic. They have an actual office where all of the paperwork and administrative processes reside. If you come across moving out of state companies that claim that they’re mobile, politely look for another business. Reputable movers need a physical address for their invoicing and other activities. So-called mobile movers can be scam artists.

Protect yourself even further by visiting the office before hiring the movers. You can get a good idea of the culture and expertise at the office as you speak to the receptionists. Discuss your move at the same time so that any loose ends can be quickly added to your contract.

6. Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage may not be at the top of your moving day list, but it’s critically important. Your moving company must be insured. Check on the coverage yourself. Also, If the policy is brand new or has been reinstated several times, take these facts into consideration. There may be some issues with this particular mover.

Insurance policies typically cover several key items, including:

• Injuries to workers during the move

• Damages incurred to your property during the transition

• Problems on the road

Insurance can be expensive, but moving has its risks. Moving companies who’re reputable in the business will keep up with their policies. It helps with sales in the long run. You should only hire insured movers so that everyone is protected during this challenging transition.

7. Clear Contracts

Last on the list of what to look for in a moving company is paying attention to contracts. As you narrow down your selections, ask for moving quotes. The written estimate should be as detailed as possible. It might include these features, such as:

• Labor costs

• Special handling

• Specific fees

Your move will be unique, so the quote should include charges for heavy items, narrow hallways and other details. Be aware of any fine print that discusses out of state moving services and extra fees. Ask questions as you look over the contract. Transparency is the key in this department.

If the mover fails to disclose every detail on the contract, ask for them to be added. A reputable mover will have no problem with revising the estimate. Step away from the bargaining table if the mover hesitates to work with you.

The best moving companies tend to rapidly fill up their appointment books. Contact your favorite mover as soon as you know a transition is happening. Follow this list of 7 things to look for in a moving company, and moving can be a simple process with experts by your side.